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Warning-sign checks

Testicular cancer: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Seek emergency care for sudden, severe testicle pain, especially with swelling, nausea or vomiting.

    This may be testicular torsion rather than cancer, and treatment is time-sensitive.

    Call emergency services for severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, coughing up blood, collapse or a new seizure.

    These symptoms are uncommon but require immediate assessment.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Arrange a prompt medical appointment if you notice:

    • A new lump, swelling or firm area in a testicle
    • A testicle becoming larger, heavier or different in shape
    • A persistent ache in the testicle, groin or lower abdomen
    • Unexplained fluid or swelling in the scrotum

    These symptoms do not necessarily mean cancer, but they should not be watched indefinitely without assessment.

    During cancer treatment, follow the urgent-contact instructions given by the oncology team.

    Fever or signs of infection during chemotherapy need urgent advice because treatment can reduce infection-fighting white blood cells.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has noticed a lump, a mole that has changed, or unexplained weight loss

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Testicular cancer. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.